HMPV causes flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. In more severe cases it can cause bronchitis or pneumonia.
Instead of panicking about HMPV, the Hyderabad-based doctor has advised to be cautious and consult a doctor if needed. In more severe cases, it can cause bronchitis or pneumonia. This disease soon makes its victims especially in young children, the elderly and people with weak immunity. HMPV causes flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, nasal congestion and difficulty in breathing. In more severe cases, it can cause bronchitis or pneumonia.
Health experts said there should be no panic about this disease
Health experts have clarified that the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not as contagious as COVID-19, allaying concerns about it. He stressed that HMPV should not be compared to COVID-19. He said that even though the symptoms of COVID-19 may be found, the disease is completely different.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, surgical oncologist Dr. Vishal Rao said that HMPV spreads through droplets rather than sneezing or breathing, he has appealed to the people not to panic. He has emphasized that people who have taken all three doses of the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine are more likely to fight against HMPV than others. He has also emphasized on basic precautions to prevent infection.
Doctors’ advice on HMPV
There is currently no vaccine available for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). There is no vaccine for this virus. But if you have taken the flu vaccine and three doses of the COVID vaccine, then you already have immunity. It is not a disease that spreads through talking or breathing like COVID. HMPV is a droplet infection caused by coughing. Therefore, it is important to be cautious.
Additional Professor of Internal Medicine at AIIMS, Delhi, Dr. Neeraj Nischal told ANI not to compare it (HMPV) with COVID-19. Because Covid was a completely new virus and none of us had any special plan or immunity to fight against it. HMPV was also discovered in the year 2001. It has been there since the late 1950s. By the age of 10, most children develop immunity against it.
People need not panic about this virus. It is an old virus, which causes respiratory infection and its cases are mostly mild. Apart from this, he also advised people to take common precautions for cold symptoms. Instead of tracking down every pathogen, we should all take common precautions when we have a cold. For this, definitely wear a mask. Avoid going to crowded places, wash hands frequently and consult a doctor immediately if serious symptoms appear.
